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A wireless headset with an integral display is provided, the headset
capable of communicating via a wireless network to a cellular telephone,
cellular telephone adaptor, land-line telephone, land-line telephone
adaptor, computer, personal digital assistant, or other device capable of
communicating via the wireless network. The wireless headset of the
invention includes an input transducer (e.g., a microphone), an output
transducer (e.g., a speaker), a wireless networking subsystem and a
controller/controller interface. The headset may also include means for
attaching the headset to the user in order to allow hands-free operation.
The integral display, fabricated using any of a variety of suitable
technologies, allows headset and system information to be displayed
(e.g., battery levels, signal levels, call status, caller identification,
incoming call alert, current time, current date, elapsed use time, etc.).
The integral display can also be used to aid headset/system configuration
(e.g., headset volume, voice dialing, ring mode, roaming mode, etc.). The
integral display can also provide added functionality to the headset
(e.g., phone lists, text messages, calendar functions, appointment and/or
task lists, etc.).

29. A hearing device, comprising:a housing;an earhook rotatably coupled to
the housing, wherein the earhook has a free end; anda switch coupled to
the earhook.

30. The hearing device of claim 29, wherein the switch is coupled to the
earhook for controlling a status of the hearing device.

31. The hearing device of claim 29, wherein the switch is coupled to the
earhook for controlling a call status.

32. The hearing device of claim 31, wherein the switch is operable to
answer a call to thereby change the call status.

33. The hearing device of claim 32, wherein the switch is operable to
change the call status from dialing to in-use.

34. The hearing device of claim 29, further comprising a controller,
wherein the switch is operable with the controller.

35. The hearing device of claim 29, further comprising a controller
interface, wherein the switch is operable with the controller interface.

36. The hearing device of claim 29, further comprising:a microphone
coupled to the housing; anda speaker coupled to the housing.

37. The hearing device of claim 29, further comprising:a microphone
coupled to the housing for receiving a first signal;a wireless networking
module configured to transmit the first signal via a short distance
wireless network to a peripheral electronic device and to receive a
second signal via the short distance wireless network from the peripheral
electronic device; anda speaker for outputting the second signal.

39. The hearing device of claim 29, further comprising a display coupled
to the housing.

40. The hearing device of claim 39, wherein the display is configured to
display information, the information including one or a combination of
battery level, signal level, call status, caller identification, time,
elapsed time, date, in-coming call identifier, a phone list, a text
message, calendar information, phonebook information, appointment
information, a task list, a ring mode, a ring volume, a headset volume, a
display mode, voice dialing information, information for configuring a
text, and information for configuring a graphic.

41. The hearing device of claim 29, further comprising a speaker, and a
boom member to which the speaker is mounted, wherein the boom member is
coupled to the housing.

42. The hearing device of claim 41, wherein the boom member is integrated
with the housing.

43. The hearing device of claim 41, wherein the boom member is foldable
relative to the housing.

44. A hearing device, comprising:a housing;a processor located in the
housing;a microphone coupled to the processor;a speaker coupled to the
processor;an earhook for securing the housing relative to a user's ear,
wherein the earhook is foldable relative to the housing and has a free
end; anda switch coupled to the earhook.

45. The hearing device of claim 44, wherein the switch is coupled to the
earhook for controlling a status of the hearing device.

46. The hearing device of claim 44, wherein the switch is coupled to the
earhook for controlling a call status.

47. The hearing device of claim 46, wherein the switch is operable to
answer a call to thereby change the call status.

48. The hearing device of claim 47, wherein the switch is operable to
change the call status from dialing to in-use.

49. A hearing device comprising:a housing;a microphone coupled to the
housing for receiving a first signal;a speaker coupled to the housing for
outputting a second signal;a wireless networking module configured to
transmit the first signal via a short distance wireless network to a
peripheral electronic device and to receive the second signal via the
short distance wireless network from the peripheral electronic device;
anda display coupled to the housing.

50. The hearing device of claim 49, wherein the peripheral electronic
device is a cellular telephone.

52. The hearing device of claim 49, further comprising a boom member with
a base end and a distal end, the base end being coupled to the housing,
wherein the microphone is located at the distal end.

53. The hearing device of claim 49, wherein the display is capable of
displaying information, the information including one or a combination of
battery level, signal level, call status, caller identification, time,
elapsed time, date, in-coming call identifier, a phone list, a text
message, calendar information, phonebook information, appointment
information, a task list, a ring mode, a ring volume, a headset volume, a
display mode, voice dialing information, information for configuring a
text, and information for configuring a graphic.

54. The hearing device of claim 49, wherein the display is capable of
indicating an incoming call.

55. The hearing device of claim 49, further comprising an earhook that is
foldable relative to the housing, and a switch coupled to the earhook.

56. The hearing device of claim 55, wherein the switch is coupled to the
earhook for controlling a status of the hearing device.

57. The hearing device of claim 55, wherein the switch is coupled to the
earhook for controlling a call status.

58. The hearing device of claim 57, wherein the switch is operable to
answer a call to thereby change the call status.

59. The hearing device of claim 58, wherein the switch is operable to
change the call status from dialing to in-use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The need for hands-free communication devices began soon after
telephones were first invented. For example, early telephone operators
used headsets that included a speaker and a microphone that could be
wired or patched into a switchboard, the headset allowing hands-free
operation. In the decades that followed, other methods of allowing
hands-free operation emerged, ranging from telephone handset cradles that
allowed the user to comfortably cradle the handset between the user's
head and shoulder, to speaker phones that allowed absolute hands-free
operation as long as the user was within the allowable range of the
phone's speaker and microphone. More recently, short range wireless
telephones have provided people with the freedom to roam `unconnected`
within a limited range of a base unit (e.g., around the home or office)
while the advent of cellular telephones and networks have substantially
increased this freedom, allowing people to roam untethered over both
national and international regions.

[0002]While great progress has been made in the development of
communication systems, only recently with the advent of Bluetooth and
similar open specification technologies have developers been given the
freedom to design short range, wireless devices that can connect to a
variety of different networks and systems while offering worldwide
compatibility. One type of device resulting from the development of these
technologies is a wireless headset that can connect to any similarly
enabled device or system. When used with a cellular phone that is
enabled/adapted for use with one of these technologies (e.g., Bluetooth),
the user of such a headset is able to talk freely, unencumbered by wires
or cables, while taking advantage of the many benefits of a cellular
phone. Unfortunately these headsets tend to be difficult to program and
configure and offer the user very limited functionality. Typically the
headset is only provided with volume controls, an LED status indicator,
and a simple multifunction button that may only allow the user to answer
and end a call.

[0003]Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a wireless headset with
expanded functionality. The present invention provides such a headset.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004]The present invention provides a wireless headset with an integral
display, the headset capable of communicating via a wireless network to a
cellular telephone, cellular telephone adaptor, land-line telephone,
land-line telephone adaptor, computer, personal digital assistant, or
other device capable of communicating via the wireless network. The
wireless headset of the invention includes an input transducer (e.g., a
microphone), an output transducer (e.g., a speaker), a wireless
networking subsystem and a controller/controller interface. Preferably
the headset also includes means for attaching the headset to the user in
order to allow hands-free operation. The integral display, fabricated
using any of a variety of suitable technologies, allows headset and
system information to be displayed (e.g., battery levels, signal levels,
call status, caller identification, incoming call alert, current time,
current date, elapsed use time, etc.). The integral display can also be
used to aid headset/system configuration (e.g., headset volume, voice
dialing, ring mode, roaming mode, etc.). The integral display can also
provide added functionality to the headset (e.g., phone lists, text
messages, calendar functions, appointment and/or task lists, etc.).

[0005]A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present
invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the
specification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a generic headset that includes a
display in accordance with the invention;

[0007]FIG. 2 is a back view of the generic headset shown in FIG. 1;

[0008]FIG. 3 illustrates a headset with an integral boom member that
includes a display in accordance with the invention;

[0009]FIG. 4 is a frontal view of a headset with a foldable boom member
and a display in accordance with the invention, the foldable boom member
located in the folded position;

[0010]FIG. 5 is a back view of the headset shown in FIG. 4;

[0011]FIG. 6 is a frontal view of the headset of FIG. 4 with the foldable
boom member located in the un-folded position;

[0012]FIG. 7 is a back view of the headset shown in FIG. 6;

[0013]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the electronics of a preferred
embodiment of a headset according to the invention; and

[0014]FIG. 9 illustrates the block diagram of the electronics of another
preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0015]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the front (FIG. 1) and back (FIG. 2)
surfaces of a generic headset 100 that includes the display means 103 of
the present invention. Although headset 100 can be used to communicate
with any peripheral electronic device in which hands-free operation is
desired, preferably headset 100 is used with a device that enables both
voice and hearing data transfer (e.g., a computer with voice synthesis
and voice recognition capabilities), still more preferably headset 100 is
used with a communications system, and still more preferably headset 100
is used with a cellular telephone.

[0016]Although headset 100 may use any of a variety of means of attaching
to a user (e.g., headband, earpiece, etc.) and thus allowing hands-free
operation of the headset, preferably headset 100 includes an earpiece 105
(e.g., an ear hook) that is coupled to the user's ear, or a portion
thereof. More preferably, earpiece 105 fits around a portion of the
user's ear. Earpiece 105 is coupled to body 107 of the headset, body 107
housing the various electronic components necessary to provide
functionality to headset 100. Attached to the back surface of body 107 is
an output transducer 109 (e.g., a speaker). Also coupled to body 107 is
an input transducer 111 (e.g., a microphone), which, in this embodiment,
is located at the end of a boom member 113.

[0017]It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to
use with a headset of the design shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, it
can be used with a headset such as that illustrated in FIG. 3 in which
the shape of body portion 301 provides an integral boom 303 to which
input transducer 111 is attached (note that input transducer 111 is
located on the other side of boom 303 and therefore is not visible in
this figure). Alternately, the invention can be used with a headset such
as that shown in FIGS. 4-7. FIGS. 4 and 5 show front and back views,
respectively, of a headset 400 that includes a folding boom member 501,
member 501 shown in its folded position in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIGS. 6 and 7
show front and back views, respectively, of headset 400 with boom member
501 in its unfolded position.

[0018]Display 103 can be used to provide the user with various types of
information depending upon the design goals for the specific headset. The
design goals are primarily based on the expected headset use, desired
headset functionality, display size, display resolution, allowable
headset power drain, and the processing capabilities of the headset
on-board processor (also referred to as a controller or an interface
controller). Examples of information that can be displayed on display 103
are headset battery level, headset signal level, call status (e.g.,
dialing, in use, etc.), caller identification, current time/date, and
timer information such as elapsed time associated with a particular call.
Display 103 can also be configured to flash or otherwise visually
indicate an incoming call. Assuming that the information is provided to
the headset processor, display 103 can also display the battery level of
the base unit (e.g., cell phone, dongle, etc.) and the signal strength of
the base unit (e.g., cell phone). Additionally, display 103 can be used
during headset configuration (e.g., to adjust or set the ring mode, ring
loudness, headset volume, display mode, voice dialing, time, date, etc.)
or to provide additional headset functionality (e.g., phone lists, text
messages, dialing using virtual numeric keypad or phone list dialing).
Additionally, display 103 can be touch sensitive, thus providing a touch
screen for data input (e.g., phone numbers into a phone list, dialing
using a virtual numeric keypad).

[0019]In addition to providing visual feedback to the user for a variety
of headset functions as noted above (e.g., incoming calls,
time/date/timer information, caller ID, battery and signal strength,
etc.), display 103 can dramatically simplify the process of configuring
or otherwise modifying the functionality of the headset. As opposed to
the user (or technician) relying on an instruction manual and either
flashes from an on-board light emitting diode (LED) or beeps from an
on-board sound processor, the user/technician can be provided with
on-board written instructions and textual and/or graphical prompts. Thus,
for example, the user or technician can easily navigate through a menu
system presented on display 103 simply by using one or more input means
(e.g., keys, buttons, switches, etc.) preferably located on the outside
of the headset body. Preferably the input means includes at least one
function key and a pair of volume keys (e.g., "+" and "-"), thus
simplifying menu navigation. Examples of input means include keys/buttons
115 on headset 100, keys/buttons 305 on headset 300 and keys/buttons 403
on headset 400.

[0020]FIG. 8 is a high-level block diagram of-the electronics of a
preferred embodiment of a headset according to the invention. As shown,
system 800 includes a wireless networking module 801 that provides short
distance (e.g., on the order of 30 feet) wireless communications between
the headset (e.g., a headset such as those shown in FIGS. 1-7) and a
correspondingly enabled peripheral electronic device 802. Preferably
peripheral electronic device 802 is a cellular telephone that
communicates data (e.g., voice communications) via a cellular network 803
to other devices 804. As cellular telephones and cellular telephone
networks arc well know in the art, further description will not be
provided herein. Short distance wireless networking module 801 includes a
transceiver 805 and can utilize any of a variety of networking
technologies and protocols, as long as the selected system provides
suitable networking capabilities between system 800 of the headset and
device 802. Examples of suitable technologies and standards include
Bluetooth and IEEE802.11. As such technologies and standards are well
know in the art (see, for example, the specifications found at
www.bluetooth.com,

www.standards.ieec.org/getieee802/802.11.html
andwww.grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/11/, all of which are incorporated
herein by reference), further description will not be provided herein.
Module 801, which is coupled to an appropriate antenna 806, controls the
communication of signals between output transducer 109 and input
transducer 111 of the headset and device 802.

[0022]System 800 includes at least one controller (e.g., processor,
micro-controller, application specific integrated circuit or ASIC, etc.)
and controller interface (for purposes of illustration, shown as a single
module 807). Controller/controller interface 807 may be either within
networking module 801, within system 800 but separate from module 801 (as
shown), or within both. Controller/controller interface 807 can be used
to program and/or modify module 801's programming as well as program
and/or modify the functionality of the headset. Preferably one or more
keys or switches or other input means 809 are coupled to
controller/controller interface 807, thus providing a straightforward
means of configuring the system and thus the headset. An interface port
811 (e.g., a serial port or universal serial bus) may also be coupled to
controller/controller interface 807, thus allowing the system and/or the
graphical user interface (i.e., GUI) presented on display 103 to be
configured via an external device such as a computer.

[0023]In accordance with the invention, display 103 is coupled to
controller/controller interface 807. As such, display 103 can be used in
conjunction with input means 809 to configure the headset in general, and
module 801 in particular. For example, display 103 can be used to
graphically display ring modes, ring volume, headset volume, headset
information, signal strength, battery status, charge level, etc. Display
103 can also be used to display information received from device 802, for
example caller identification, text messages, calendaring functions,
personal phone book information, appointment and/or task lists, etc.

[0024]System 800 also includes a power sub-system 812, typically coupled
to a charger port 813, power sub-system 812 providing power for the
headset electronics.

[0025]FIG. 9 illustrates the high-level block diagram of the electronics
of another preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown, system 900
includes a wireless networking module 901 which utilizes Bluetooth
technology to provide communications between the headset and a Bluetooth
enabled device 902. Preferably device 902 is a cellular telephone that
communicates data (e.g., voice communications) via a cellular network 903
to other devices 904. Module 901 includes a transceiver 905 coupled to an
appropriate antenna 907. Module 901 may also include a coder/decoder
(i.e., CODEC) 909 for encoding and decoding signals that are to be
communicated between output transducer 109 and input transducer 111 of
the headset and device 902. Module 901 also includes the various circuits
and processors to control transceiver 905 (e.g., link manager 911 which
carries control information and baseband processor 913).

[0026]In this embodiment, controller/controller interface 807 is located
within module 901 and input means 809 is comprised of a pair of volume
keys/buttons 915 and a function key/button 917. Volume keys/buttons 915,
function key/button 917 and controller/controller interface 807,
preferably in combination with display 103, are used to program and/or
modify module 901's programming and control the interface of the headset
with the network module. Examples of functions that are preferably
controlled in this manner include the volume of the received and/or
transmitted signals, ring volume, status indicators, headset status,
network status, and roaming capabilities. The use of display 103 in
conjunction with the input means and the controller interface allow
graphical and/or textual display of these functions. For example, bar
charts can be used to display network signal strength, headset power,
headset volume and ring volume while textual messages are used to
communicate ring mode, status, headset information, etc. Additional input
means 809, such as a switch 919 coupled to an extendable boom member, can
be used in conjunction with controller/controller interface 807 to
control headset power. A switch 921, for example coupled to a folding
earhook and used in conjunction with controller/controller interface 807,
can be used to control the headset status.

[0027]As in the previous embodiment, display 103 can also be used to
display information either received from device 902 or stored within
memory resident within the headset (not shown). Examples of such
information include caller ID, text messages, calendars, phone book
information, etc.

[0029]As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from
the spirit or essential characteristics thereof Accordingly, the
disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, but
not limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in the
following claims.